A polished performance matters as much as substance…to some

Politics should not be a personality contest, but unfortunately for a lot of people this is the case.  They don’t really understand the policy debates, or are just not interested. 

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott made his election announcement speech in Brisbane this past Saturday.   Tony Abbott’s speech was less than enthusiastic and he seemed as if he was thrown by the calling of the election even though it was announced (albeit not confirmed) the day before.  At one point he said:

This election isn’t about glib slogans.  It is not about glib slogans. It’s about competent government that works for every day Australians and that only the coalition stands ready to deliver. 

While this phrase seems good on paper, Tony Abbott couldn't sell it.  It is as though he doesn’t believe it or was given his speech a few minutes before going out to speak.  He had to read the most important parts of this section. 

Tony Abbott is not the polished performer that his opposite number, Julia Gillard, is.  Tony Abbott therefore needs to pick up his game because for some this is an important aspect in their politicians.

Now,back to the policy!

 

Full video of Tony Abbott's election announcement speech (Via Ten News)

Full video of Julia Gillard's election announcement speech

Work Choices: dead or alive?

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has, since becoming leader, struggled with the notion of what to do about Work Choices.  This policy was central to the Howard Government and has been at the core of Liberal values for decades.  Abbott was a key member of the Government that implemented Work Choices and has long been an advocate of it. 

Earlier this week just prior to the election being called he spoke to the LNP Qld State Conference and said that Work Choices was not only dead but it had been cremated.  A strange line lacking wit, but it got the point across.  It was certainly better than his earlier statement that “the name Work Choices is dead.”

Tony Abbott then announced that there would be a 3 year moratorium on changes to Industrial Relation laws.  They would work within the laws and go to the umpire to settle any disputes.  But then came the startling admission from Senator Eric Abetz that they plan tweak the laws which means that through changes to the Regulations, which only require Ministerial consent, they can effectively do what tony Abbott said he would not do. 

Tony Abbott when question on the Today show seemed to indicate, what many people fear, that he will say on thing and do another.  He answered a question on whether he will bring back Work Choices after his first term by saying to Lisa Wilkinson, “Well, well Lisa, I've got an election to win”.  Later he spoke with Neil Mitchell where he hardened his position, presumably after speaking with his minders, and said that he would not be changing the legislation “not now, not ever”. 

The fear I have is that these statements fit into one of three Liberal election promise categories:

1. Non core promises
2. John Howard’s GST “never ever” promise
3. Tony Abbott’s make sure you get it in writing

But the startling part of Tony Abbott’s IR policy moratorium is that he freely admits that in 3 years time he will look to advance an agenda that would return some aspects of Work Choices.  Tony Abbott is looking for some fresh air between the Howard and (presumably) an Abbott Government with which to kill off public sentiment towards Work Choices. 

Tony Abbott is, as I blogged previously, more interested in winning elections and leaving wiggle room to change his policies.  He will say and do anything because he’s “got an election to win”.

The effects of the BP oil spill: Horrible photographic evidence

If you want to see some of the dramatic and devastating effects of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico please check out Washington’s blog for a sample of some of the worst of the photo’s.

Don't Waste Your First Time: The Greens make a pitch for the young vote

This is a funny clip on making sure you are signed up to vote. You should know that as soon as the writs for the election are called the rolls close. So if you are not signed up to vote get on it and have your say.

On a side note: It is hypocritical that Sarah can get away with talking about giving away virginity (albeit satirically) and it is fine, but Tony Abbott was vilified for doing the same thing when giving advice to his daughters.

Clarke and Dawe on asylum seekers

It is sad that comedy usually hits very close to the mark, but no-one takes it seriously enough to change their mind. They just laugh and move on without really thinking about the issue.

This is a very funny clip!

Election 2010 Spoof Trailer - GetUp!

The Honourable Michael Kirby: An inspirational and compassionate man

I have just finished watching a story from the ABC’s Compass Program on the life of The Honourable Michael Kirby AO CMG former Associate Justice of the High Court.  It is a story which shows his great compassion, thoughtfulness and intelligence.  He has had an interesting life and is a great inspiration to young budding (left leaning) lawyers.

To view the show watch it here on the ABC’s iView